The department offers coursework leading to the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Science in Journalism degrees. A minor is also available. Students begin by taking courses establishing a firm general foundation in Communication and Journalism, including a strong focus on effective speaking, concise writing and critical thinking. They also take courses in their chosen concentration, gaining specific knowledge and experience in their field. Many students often take courses in other concentrations to round out their educational experience.

The department’s facilities include a Media Lab, Computer Lab, Dark Room, Television Studio, Editing Rooms, and “Smart Classrooms.” Students in media courses learn to use sophisticated digital cameras, lighting, sound equipment, and non-linear editing computers. Photography is taught from both traditional film and digital perspectives. Advertising, public relations, and journalism students work with state-of-the-art computer programs.  

All communication and journalism concentrations blend theory and practice. Students develop an understanding of the theoretical frameworks upon which our “best practices” are built. Critical thinking and ethics are cultivated through classroom discussions and out-of-class experiences. Theories are investigated and questioned. Every concentration includes specific courses related to the field (e.g., Newswriting or Digital Video Production) plus broader courses in speaking, writing, and theory.

Undergraduate students are also offered the opportunity to earn credit for internships and other co-curricular activities. These students gain valuable practical experience in their chosen field, putting into practice what they have learned in the classroom.

In addition to internships, our students can choose to take part in several co-curricular media opportunities on campus. These activities can also be taken for credit. They include writing for our weekly student newspaper, The Suffolk Journal, producing our television programs, Temple Street, and Suffolk TV News for Boston Neighborhood Network, participating in WSUB and WSFR, our campus television and radio organizations, and competing for our nationally recognized speech team, the Walter M. Burse Forensic Society.